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Ancelotti confirms double injury boost for Madrid derby

Carlo Ancelotti - Real Madrid
Credit: Real Madrid
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Ahead of the latest Madrid derby, Los Blancos have welcomed back Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale from injury.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has offered updates on Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale.

The Italian has recalled the duo for Sunday night’s capital derby against local rivals Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Benzema, who missed the 2-0 midweek Champions League win over Inter Milan, is available after recovering from a muscle problem from last weekend’s trip to Real Sociedad.

“Benzema has trained, is feeling good, is available and will play,” said Ancelotti in a pre-match conference on Saturday.

“I want to mention that all of the players trained and [Dani] Ceballos will join in with us next week. I’m keen to highlight the work being done by the medical team and fitness coaches. The fact that we’ve got a fit squad at this stage of the season shows just what a very good job they’re doing.”

What about Bale?

Perhaps the biggest surprise, though, was the inclusion of Bale in Ancelotti’s matchday squad. The injury-stricken Wales international hasn’t played for the club since August 28.

“He’s doing fine and is in the squad list,” said Ancelotti of Bale’s condition.

“I don’t know whether he’ll start. Gareth is ready to play from the off or could even play a full 90 minutes. He has to have the motivation and show that he’s keen to play, regardless of the minutes he gets. You can see that in training. The fact that he’s in the squad means that he’s got that motivation.”

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